Without batting an ironic eye, President Bush vetoed a $289-billion farm bill, claiming the legislation gives too much money to wealthy farmers. The bill includes steps to spur biofuel use and would expand nutrition programs to help poor Americans buy food. The Democratic Congress is expected to override the veto.


Reuters:

President George W. Bush vetoed the $289 billion U.S. farm bill on Wednesday despite the likelihood of a congressional override, saying the bill subsidizes multimillionaire farmers while Americans face higher grocery prices.

The bill would expand nutrition programs by $10.3 billion over 10 years, mostly to help poor Americans buy food. It encourages land stewardship and biofuels development.

Leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate Agriculture committees say they have the votes to override the veto, the 10th issued by Bush, yet this week. More than half of Republicans in the House and Senate voted for the farm bill last week.

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